Vodafone Idea strikes deal with Nokia for network upgrade in India

Indian carrier Vodafone Idea has inked a partnership Nokia for the deployment of a LTE network across multiple service areas. As part of the agreement, Nokia will deploy Single RAN Advanced, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and small cells. Nokia’s Single RAN solution will enable Vodafone Idea to simplify its network installation and management, while massive MIMO technology will enhance capacity and speed, according to Nokia. The installation of Nokia’s small cells will supplement operator’s macro network and ensure better coverage and capacity, both indoors and outdoors, the European vendor said. “Vodafone Idea is undertaking the world’s biggest telecom network integration in India and creating India’s most advanced, secure and cost-efficient network,” said Vishant Vora, CTO, Vodafone Idea. “Extensive use of UBRs, DSRs, m-MIMOs and HetNets are key to our plan in this integration exercise, and we are very happy to partner with Nokia to deploy these futuristic, next generation technologies to prepare a future-proof network for the digital era.”